Reproduction IMCO 6600 Lighter, removable candle

Char cloth (also called char paper) is cotton cloth that has been combusted in the absence of oxygen. The resulting material is highly flammable and can be used to start a fire by catching a spark.

It is easily ignited and is used as tinder, often in conjunction with Flint and Steel or other fire starters. Char cloth does not burn with an open flame; it burns slowly as a hot ember like the end of a cigarette. Even small pieces of char cloth will burn long enough to be used as tinder to light a fire.

Uses of Char cloth

Char cloth was commonly used in the past as a reliable and portable fire-starting material, especially in outdoor settings or emergency situations. It was also popular among soldiers and explorers for its ease of use and effectiveness.

Today, char cloth is still used by outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists who value its ability to start a fire in difficult conditions.

Children: When it comes to the safety of children, utmost care and vigilance are essential. The following advice can greatly decrease the risks associated with common household hazards:

Small Parts and Choking Hazards: It's crucial to keep toys with small parts, as well as other small household items, out of reach of young children. Always check the age recommendation on toy packaging and inspect toys for any pieces that can easily come off and be swallowed.

Stoves and Fires: Children should be educated about the dangers of stoves and open fires. They must understand that these are not playthings and can cause serious harm. Physical barriers can be effective in keeping children at a safe distance.

Supervision: Never leave children unattended in the kitchen, especially when the stove is on or hot food or liquids are present. This is a fundamental precaution to prevent burns and scalds.

Appliance Safety: Always turn off and unplug the stove when not in use to eliminate potential hazards. This reduces the risk of accidental ignition or burns.

Pot Handle Positioning: Keep pot handles turned inwards, away from the edge of the stove. This prevents children from reaching up and pulling hot contents onto themselves.

Stove Backguards: Installing a backguard on the stove can help prevent children from reaching over the hot surface and getting burned.

Kitchen Counter Hygiene: Maintain clear countertops devoid of items that can catch fire, like paper towels, cloth, or plastic bags. This reduces the risk of fire outbreaks.

Matches and Lighters: Reinforce the message that matches and lighters are tools for adults, not toys for children. Keep these items stored securely out of the reach and sight of children to prevent accidental fires.

Medicine and Chemical Storage: Medicines, cleaning agents, and other chemicals should be kept out of reach or in locked cabinets. Children are naturally curious and may ingest harmful substances, mistaking them for food or drink.

Continuous Education: Regularly communicate safety guidelines with children, using age-appropriate language and demonstrations. Reinforcement through repetition can be key to them remembering these safety tips.

By adhering to these safety measures, we create a safer environment for children to live and play. It's a proactive approach to minimize the risk of accidents and to ensure that children are protected from common household dangers.

General Safety

Never Leave a Fire or Stove Unattended: Unattended flames are one of the primary causes of accidental fires. Always be present to monitor and control the fire or stove, ensuring it doesn't spread or escalate. If you must leave, even for a short duration, extinguish the fire or turn off the stove completely before departing.

Ensure the Site is Level and Clear of Debris: Before igniting a fire or setting up a stove, choose a flat surface, which helps prevent the fire or stove from tipping over and spreading. Clear the area of leaves, twigs, and any other flammable material to create a safe perimeter of at least 10 feet. This reduces the chance of the fire spreading beyond control.

Do Not Start a Fire or Stove on Top of a Base of Peat: Peat can smolder and retain heat for a very long time, creating a risk of fire re-ignition long after you believe it has been extinguished. The heat can travel underground and emerge as a new fire far from the original site.

Place the Stove or Fire Away from Combustible Materials: Position any heat source at a safe distance from tents, canopies, buildings, vegetation, and other flammable structures. The recommended distance varies by situation but maintaining a safety zone of at least 15-20 feet is a good practice. Also, avoid low-hanging branches when setting up a fire or stove.

Turn Off the Stove or Fire When Not in Use:  As soon as you are finished with the fire or stove, ensure it is completely extinguished or turned off. For a fire, it means soaking it with water, stirring the ashes, and applying more water until all material is cool to the touch. With stoves, ensure the fuel source is disconnected, and the stove is adequately cooled down before storing it away.

Emergency: Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher nearby in case you need to put out the fire quickly.

Local Rules: Familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations regarding open flames, as some areas have specific restrictions.

Always respect nature and the environment: Minimize your impact by using established fire rings or stoves rather than creating new fire pits.

Do not burn: plastics, aerosols, batteries, or any materials that could emit toxic fumes or explode.

This company opened its doors in 1907 as a button factory in Austria. IMCO stands for "International Metal Company," which manufactured lighters.

In 1918, their first trench lighters were made from spent artillery shells in World War I. By approximately 1930  production switched to using stainless steel. Due to their wind resistance, these lighters became popular with the military, smokers, and outdoorsmen.

As time passed the popularity of smoking declined and unfortunately, as of the end of June 2012, IMCO closed its doors. The brand was sold to a Japanese company.